Public Relations

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The Degree Bradley’s Department of Communication offers an undergraduate curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. The program integrates the academic study of communication with a commitment to professional education in Public Relations. Bradley Public Relations students are a part of the internationally recognized Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts.

Facilities The state-of-the-art Caterpillar Global Communications Center offers students the use of:

Internet2 (ultra-high broadband network)

video conferencing

a television control room

a television studio

multimedia special projects lab

multimedia design computer lab

wireless personal computing

Curriculum Public Relations courses are taught by caring and distinguished communication faculty who draw on experiences from diverse communication contexts. Many faculty members have held leadership positions in major scholarly organizations and corporate advertising agencies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Through course instruction and career-related projects, students in the program gain experience in:

basic reporting

advertising

public relations writing

research techniques

case studies

campaigns

marketing

desktop publishing

Opportunities at Bradley Students work closely with area businesses and organizations to gain insight and “hands on” experience. One of the highlights in the Public Relations program is the capstone course, Public Relations Case Studies and Campaigns COM 480. In this senior-level class, students work closely with area business and organizations to gain experience in the creative process, research, project design and implementation, evaluation design, budgeting, marketing, team project management, media buying and client relations. In conjunction with this senior project, students are eligible for the alumni-endowed Ebling PR-ize. Each semester, the winning team, is selected by a group of judges consisting of department faculty and at least one working public relations professional. Winners receive a $2,000 cash prize and a letter of recognition.

Outside of the classroom, students enjoy cocurricular and pre-professional learning experiences including:

The American Advertising Federation

Bradley Media Society

Bradley Scout

Bradley Speech Team

“Midstate Magazine”, a student-produced television program

Society of Professional Journalists

Peoria Ad Club

Public Relations Student Society of America

Women in Business

Beyond Bradley In recent years, graduates of Bradley’s Public Relations program have attended prestigious graduate schools and accepted positions including: